"What they say is they don't think our economic growth is quote, strong enough to feel sustained job creation," Ryan told a rally of about 3,000 people here. "Look, sugar-high economics is no substitute for pro-growth economics. What we don't need is more money-printing. What we need is more wealth creation, job creation and risk taking."

The House Budget chairman said "we need honest money. We need sound money. We need economic growth and the foundations for economic growth."

Romney used similar language today when criticizing the Federal Reserve, also calling its actions a "sugar high."

The Federal Reserve Thursday announced its third quantitative-easing program in less than three years

Ryan started his rally on a somber note, leading a moment of silence for the four Americans killed Tuesday when the U.S. Embassy in Libya was attacked.

"We just moments ago witnessed and watched the bodies of the four slain diplomats arrive at Andrews Air Force Base from Libya," Ryan said, before asking for a moment of silence for Ambassador Christopher Stevens, Sean Smith, Glen Doherty and Tyrone Woods.

Ryan delayed the event because the four bodies were returning to the United States in a ceremony at which Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and President Obama spoke.

Romney also started his rally in Ohio late to watch the ceremony.

Against a backdrop of a huge U.S. flag and rolling green hills, the vice presidential nominee tried to connect with the voters in this conservative part of the crucial battleground state.

"This is one of the most beautiful parts of the country," Ryan said, using a technique he employs at most stops on the campaign trail. "I have canoed this area, I have fished this area, I have backpacked this area, and my phone has blaze orange and camouflage. It's a reminder that deer season is right around the corner. I've hunted some good deer in Virginia here, too."

The Wisconsin congressman mentions a personal detail about the town or state he's visiting at almost every stop on the campaign, something to which the crowds almost always respond.

Historically, Virginia voted Democratic (traditional Southern Democratic, that is) until 1952, when the state turned Republican for presidential elections. In those 60 years, there have been just two exceptions: Lyndon Johnson's landslide in 1964 and Obama carried the state 53 percent to 46 percent in 2008 over John McCain.

Ryan will continue campaigning in Virginia today with a fundraiser in Roanoke.